How to Remove Pex Fittings: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Pex fittings are a type of plumbing fitting used to connect pieces of plastic or metal piping together. These fittings are often used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Removing pex fittings can be a difficult task, but with the right tools and knowledge, it can be done quickly and easily.

Using a Pipe Cutter

Tools and Materials Needed: Pipe cutter, gloves, safety glasses, pipe wrench.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Put on safety glasses and gloves to protect your eyes and hands from sharp edges.

2. Place the pipe cutter around the pex fitting and tighten the knob until the blade is snug against the fitting.

3. Turn the handle clockwise to rotate the blade and cut through the fitting.

4. Once the fitting is cut, use a pipe wrench to unscrew and remove it from the pipe.

Using a Heat Gun

Tools and Materials Needed: Heat gun, gloves, safety glasses, pipe wrench.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Put on safety glasses and gloves to protect your eyes and hands from sharp edges.

2. Set the heat gun to its highest setting and aim the nozzle at the pex fitting.

3. Move the heat gun back and forth across the fitting for 30 seconds to heat up the plastic.

4. Once the plastic is heated, use a pipe wrench to unscrew and remove it from the pipe.

Using a Pipe Wrench

Tools and Materials Needed: Pipe wrench, gloves, safety glasses.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Put on safety glasses and gloves to protect your eyes and hands from sharp edges.

2. Grip the pex fitting firmly with the pipe wrench and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it.

3. Once the fitting is loose, unscrew it from the pipe.

Using a Crowbar

Tools and Materials Needed: Crowbar, gloves, safety glasses.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Put on safety glasses and gloves to protect your eyes and hands from sharp edges.

2. Insert the end of the crowbar into the pex fitting and pry it away from the pipe.

3. Once the fitting is loose, unscrew it from the pipe.

Using a Tubing Cutter

Tools and Materials Needed: Tubing cutter, gloves, safety glasses.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Put on safety glasses and gloves to protect your eyes and hands from sharp edges.

2. Place the tubing cutter around the pex fitting and tighten the knob until the blade is snug against the fitting.

3. Turn the handle clockwise to rotate the blade and cut through the fitting.

4. Once the fitting is cut, unscrew it from the pipe.

Using a Hacksaw

Tools and Materials Needed: Hacksaw, gloves, safety glasses.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Put on safety glasses and gloves to protect your eyes and hands from sharp edges.

2. Place the hacksaw blade onto the pex fitting and saw back and forth until the fitting is cut.

3. Once the fitting is cut, unscrew it from the pipe.

Using a Chisel

Tools and Materials Needed: Chisel, hammer, gloves, safety glasses.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Put on safety glasses and gloves to protect your eyes and hands from sharp edges.

2. Place the chisel onto the pex fitting and strike it with the hammer to break it apart.

3. Once the fitting is broken, unscrew it from the pipe.

Conclusion

Removing pex fittings can be a tricky task, but with the right tools and knowledge, it can be done quickly and easily. There are several different methods for removing pex fittings, such as using a pipe cutter, heat gun, pipe wrench, crowbar, tubing cutter, hacksaw, or chisel. Be sure to wear protective eyewear and gloves when working with any of these tools.

Following the steps outlined above should help you safely and effectively remove pex fittings. If you have any questions or concerns, consult a professional plumber for assistance.